I made the final decision to call things off and I did it for what now seems a really silly reason. For a long time I was asking him if there was chance we could get back together, but he told me he couldn’t do it again. I’m so confused. I can tell he still has feelings for me.

He still stares at me when he thinks I’m not looking. He hugs me and holds my hand. I just wish I knew where I stood. I feel like I’m trapped.

Catherine, 16

HE seems to want to spend a lot of time with you so I would say that’s an encouraging sign.

Yet he’s clearly been wounded by your rejection and isn’t prepared to go through more pain anytime soon. It’s difficult to go from great love, suffer a bust-up and become intimate again.

Possibly, he does still have feelings for you. To give you both the best chance, it might be wise to back off a bit – to give him a week or so to make up his mind.

I hope for your sake he decides the relationship is worth a second life but it might be best to prepare for the worst.

*****

How can I make boy's gift special?

Dear Alex,

I’VE been invited to the birthday party of a lad I really like. I want to buy him a present so he’ll notice me. What’s a good present for a boy? I’ve looked in the shops and all I can find are teddy bears and sweets. I want his gift to be special, but it’s difficult. I don’t want him to think I’m weird. What do I do?

Alex, 14

I SUGGEST you get him something thoughtful but inexpensive. Money can’t buy you love, but being considerate might work. Find out what interests him. Does he like sport? Music? Video games? The best kind of present is one that shows the person bothered to think about it.

The easiest way to grab this boy’s attention is to make a point of getting to know him. You’ll then be able to tell if he likes you – and it can’t hurt to drop the occasional hint that you feel the same way.